historic watch worn on d-day to be auctioned on november 30th

Sergeant Don Jakeway Is actually portrayed in this iconic painting by Matt Hall. Being being caught in a tree saved him on the “Night of Nights” from drifting into an enemy encampment”

Decorated WWII Paratrooper 82nd Airborne Veteran Sgt. Donald Jakeway wore this Wittnauer military issued watch throughout his time serving in the United States Army. This is the actual watch he wore when he parachuted on the outskirts of Sainte Mere Eglise France at 12:20 AM on June 6, 1944.

He went on to fight in Operation Market Garden and the Battle of Bulge before being severely wounded. For his courage in combat, Sergeant Jakeway was awarded 4 Bronze Stars, two Purple Hearts and the French Legion of Merit.

Sergeant Don Jakeway’s family not only received one heart stopping telegram when he was fighting overseas, but three of them… can you imagine his parents pain?

Before WWII ended, every single 82nd Airborne Paratrooper that is standing next to their D-Day American C-47 airplane was killed in action. Don Jakeway, shown far right, was the only one who came home.

After the War, he felt he had to live a good life to honor every man he lost in his company.

This historic and truly meaningful watch was donated in honor and loving memory, by his son Don Jakeway Jr. and will be auctioned off on November 30th through Rago/Wright Auction House, with 100% of proceeds benefiting Brian’s Foundation. November 30th also marks the day Sgt. Don Jakeway’s passed away in 2019.

Aly and AJ donate watches from their personal collection

Singing Duo and sisters, Aly and AJ Michalka have been performing together since 2004. They both have a passion for vintage watches and they have graciously donated a watch each from their collection.

Aly donated her Autodromo, a watch company that expresses the spirit of motoring through watches blending together a contemporary, minimalist sensibility with mid-century vintage character.

The  Intereuropa with a Nassau Blue dial. Taking its name from the Coppa Intereuropa held at Monza for sporting coupes from 1949-1964 was a support race for the Italian Grand Prix. Cars from the stables of Italian manufacturers that didn’t look out of place on track or in an art gallery. This dual purpose is what inspired this timepiece.

Aj donated her Rowing Blazers X Seiko. This unique Seiko X collaboration watch was inspired by the special friendship between Rowing’ Blazers Founder Jack Carlson and Eric Wind and their mutual passion for sport, nostalgia, travel and of course watches.

This watch also has a special case back emblazoned with one of Rowling Blazers “house codes,” a contemplative skeleton, as a reminder that time flies.

Both watches will be auctioned off on November 30th through Rago/Wright. Online bidding starts on November 12th at wright20.com

Comedian Ronny Cheing donates Luminox Colormark to Watch Project Auction

Ronny Chieng is a Chinese comedian and actor born in Malaysia and raised in New Hampshire and Singapore.  He started performing stand-up in 2009 after graduating with a degree in Law.  You may know him from the movie Crazy Rich Asians and as a senior correspondent on the Daily Show.  He has a new Netflix Comedy special and was recently featured on Hodinkee’s Talking Watches. 

His Luminox Colormark chronograph - Model 3080 - 44mm Quartz Watch features a chronograph and date display.  It was built to provide perfect visibility and accuracy in extreme conditions, this watch is the result of demands by Navy SEALs, Air Force pilots, and FBI agents for timekeeping technology that performs under pressure.

Ronny’s watch will be auctioned off on November 30th through Rago/Wright with online bidding starting at wright20.com.

Long-time supporter of the Foundation donates a beautiful Rolex to Watch Auction

In honor and memory of her late husband Robert Safford, Vicki Parmentier donated this stunning Rolex to the Watch Project to help others in their dreams of higher education.  Both she and Bob believed in the importance of higher education and have supported Brian’s Foundation since its inception in 1992.   

This lady’s 18K yellow gold vintage lady’s Rolex dress wristwatch. The square case measures 14 mm and has an integrated 13.25 mm 18 karat yellow gold herringbone design bracelet. The champagne dial has raised yellow gold markers. Set down the east and west sides of the case are eight round full cut diamonds on each side, approximately .03 carat each. The caliber 1401 manufactured mechanical movement is manually wound. Watch reference number 2983. Serial number 1156647.   

A special thanks to Rummelle’s Jewelers, an authorized Rolex dealer in Green Bay, Wisconsin, for their professional help in checking things over and getting this lot ready for auction. It will be auctioned off with the others on November 30th through Rago/Wright Auction. Online bidding starts on November 12th.

Unique watches up for auction

Jerry Lewis- Dual Face Bueche Girod Watch

Donated by Justin Flom

Jerry Lewis was an American comedian, director, actor, screenwriter, singer, humanitarian and producer. Nicknamed "The King of Comedy", Lewis is regarded as one of the most significant American cultural figures of the 20th century.  He appeared and starred in 60 films with 13 directed by him. 

Long before smart devices, Mr Lewis was able to keep track of time in two different areas of the world with this dual time Bueche Girod quartz watch.   Actually two watches in one, it comes with its original leather band and brass butterfly closure. 

Donated by world renowned magician and friend of the Brian LaViolette Foundation, Justin Flom. 

The Concord Delirium Watch- once the thinnest watch ever made

owned and donated by James McEachin

The Concord Delirium Watch is a scientific feat, an artistic feat, an object of monumental Swiss pride through ETA.  For the first time in history, a quartz timepiece has been created as one integrated masterpiece of design and accuracy and at the time was the thinnest watch ever made. 

James McEachin is a Silver Star, Purple Heart veteran of the Korean War, an accomplished actor, and an award-winning author. He has appeared in nearly 200 movies and television shows and has authored six novels, multiple screenplays, and his one-man play, entitled Above the Call; Beyond the Duty.

The watch is personally engraved with James McEachin's name on the caseback and comes with an original vintage presentation case.

Both watches join over 45 others that will be auctioned off on November 30th to benefit Brian’s Foundation. Learn more under the ‘Watch Project’ tab on our website

Beautiful Vintage Vulcain Cricket once owned by Jose Ferrer up for auction on November 30th

Owned By José Ferrer - Donated by Charlie Dunne, this stunning Vulcain Cricket reference 305012 is an early iteration of the waterproof cases, which would later transition into "S series" references. 

The watch has brilliant provenance formerly belonging to José Ferrer. In 1949, he would become the Nominee for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in Joan of Arc. In 1951. Ferrer became the first Puerto Rican and Hispanic Academy Award winner for his performance in the 1950 film Cyrano de Bergerac. 

During the same year at the 6th Annual Tony Awards, he won both Best Actor-Play for The Shrike, as well as Outstanding Director for The Shrike and The Fourposter. 

Jose was the father of actor Miguel Ferrer, the brother of Rafael Ferrer, the grandfather of actress Tessa Ferrer and the uncle of actor Gerorge Clooney. His contributions to American theatre were recognized in 1981, when he was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame. In 1985, he received the National Medal of Arts from President Reagan becoming the first actor so honored.

 This Cricket measures in at 34mm in diameter (41mm lug-to-lug) with a lug width of 18mm. The case is gold plated and is in phenomenal condition. It comes with its original Vulcain strap. The dial features a thin guilloche on the exterior of the dial which is very seldom seen on vintage Vulcain Crickets.

Green Bay native, Tony Shalhoub donates watch to be included in Watch Project Auction

Photo by Getty

When Tony was just six years old, he was introduced to the theater in a school production of King and I and hasn't looked back. After receiving a Master’s degree in Fine Arts from Yale School of Drama, he has earned many accolades and has had a successful acting career. He is best known for his starring roles in the television series Monk, Wings and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.

In addition to being recognized for his work with a Golden Globe, six Screen Actors Guild awards and four Primetime Emmy awards, Tony has received four Tony award nominations and a win for his work on Broadway.

Tony Shalhoub graduated from Green Bay East High in Wisconsin and is one of its most famous native sons. He is the second youngest of 10 children born to Joseph and Helen (Seroogy) Shalhoub and credits his family for being a grounding presence in his life throughout his career in Hollywood.

Tony donated his Oceanaut Spada Chronograph Watch to the Brian LaViolette Foundation Watch Project. The watch features a stainless steel case 49mm x 34mm with stainless steel bracelet and a scratch resistant sapphire. It has center hour, minute and seconds hands along with chronograph subdials at 2 & 10 o'clock. Date sub dial at 6 o'clock. After Tony decided to donate the watch to benefit Brian’s Foundation, he wore it one last time on the red carpet and made sure it was a highlight in his photoshoot.

"You've got to know when to hold them"—— Kenny Rogers' wristwatch

Kenny Rogers was a man who wore many hats.  In addition to a Grammy Award winning musician, singer and songwriter, Rogers was also a photographer, record producer, actor entrepreneur and author.  As a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, he scored over 120 hit singles and was one among ‘the highest- selling artists of all time’ and had sold more than 130 million record copies across the world. The ‘USA Today’ and ‘People’ magazine poll, voted him the ‘Favorite Singer of All-Time’. 

Kenny’s wristwatch features an automatic mechanical movement, a black circular dial with luminescent chapters and hands, a window for the date and a rotating bezel. It features a gold-tone and stainless-steel link bracelet with deployant clasp. The verso of the watch is signed "Zodiac No. 606.88.83, while the deployant is signed "Zodiac, No. 316L. 39mm across, 41mm including stem, and only 10 mm thick with the date a three o'clock.

Ty Alexander Photography

Kenny was showing wearing it on his 40th anniversary, 42 Ultimate Hits Album and Billboard tribute in 2004.

 Kenny Rogers watch was donated by Renee and Doug LaViolette. It will be auctioned off on November 30th to benefit Brian’s Foundation. Online bidding starts on November 12th through Rago/Wright Auction House at wright20.com

Rare iconic Heuer 404 Chronograph watch donated by Randall Park

Randall is an actor, comedian, and writer. He is best known for his roles on ABC’s Fresh Off the Boat and HBO’s Veep as well as the 2022 Netflix series, Blockbuster. You may also know him from guest appearances on Community, Community, Curb Your Enthusiasm, New Girl, The Office, ER, CSI, Las Vegas, The Mindy Project, and Reno 911!.

The Heuer 404 Chronograph 34mm stainless chronograph is affectionately known today as the Pre-Carrera and is as one of the most iconic chronographs ever. Released in 1959 and offered until the mid-'60s, the Heuer ref. 404 is incredibly rare due to its short period of production.

In addition to its gorgeously preserved silver dial, it comes with its original baby pushers – so-called for their narrow profile.

This incredibly rare watch, due to its short period of production in 1959 will be auctioned off on November 30th benefiting Brian’s Foundation.

Online bidding starts on November 12th at wright20.com

Condoleezza Rice's donates her personal watch to benefit the Brian LaViolette Foundation

Condoleezza Rice is an American diplomat, political scientist, civil servant and professor who is the current director of the Hoover Institution at Stanford University. Dr. Rice was the first African-American woman to serve as Secretary of State and served four years from 2005-2009.

 

Dr. Rice was one of the first two women to be admitted as members to Augusta National Golf Club and has a love for music. At just 15 years old she played piano with the DenverSymphony and continues to play regularly with different organizations.

This Michele Mini Urban model MW02A00A0001 is stainless steel with a sunburst dial, Swiss movement, sapphire crystal and with the original “patina used” alligator strap.

Condoleezza Rice’s watch will be auctioned off on November 30th through Rago/Wright at wright20.com. Online bidding starts on November 12th.

Admiral William H. McRaven (U.S. Navy Retired) - watch up for auction on November 30th

Admiral William H. McRaven served 37 years as a Navy Seal and is the author of the #1 New York Times bestselling book Make Your Bed.

Admiral McRaven is a retired U.S. Navy Four-Star admiral and the former Chancellor of the University of Texas System. During his time in the military, he commanded special operations forces at every level, eventually taking charge of the U.S. Special Operations Command.

His career included combat during Desert Storm and both the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. He commanded the troops that captured Saddam Hussein and rescued Captain Phillips. McRaven is also credited with developing the plan and leading the Osama bin Laden mission in 2011.

His Navy Seal 45MM Luminox watch is very special limited edition 33 of 50. It features a stainless steel, matte PVD black gunmetal case and solid link bracelet, screw case back and screw down crown. 12-Hour, Quartz, Blue Dial Analog, Water Resistance: 200 m series 3500-1GBq H-3 LX-200

Admiral McRaven’s watch will be auctioned off on November 30th, 2022 through Rago/Wright Auction at wright20.com. Online bidding starts on November 12th. All proceeds from the sale of this watch will benefit the Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation.

Photos by Ty Alexander Photography

Dick Vitale and Terry Bradshaw's personal watches up for auction on November 30th

For the past 3 + decades these men have been best known for their roles in Sports broadcasting.   Both Dick Vitale and Terry Bradshaw we’re also some of the first to step up and donate one of their personal watches to “The Once Upon a Time” Watch Auction.

Their incredible donation came at a difficult time as they selflessly put others before themselves as they both battled cancer.  

We are so grateful their kindness and admire them for their courage. 

Dick Vitale also known as "Dickie V", is an American basketball sportscaster. A former head coach in the college and professional ranks, he is well known for his 41-year tenure as a college basketball broadcaster for ESPN.

He is known for catchphrases such as "This is awesome, baby!" and "diaper dandy" (outstanding freshman player), as well as his enthusiastic and colorful remarks during games. He has also written nine books, and appeared in several films.

Dick’s Movado ESQ Quartz Venture stainless steel features a black dial with four accent diamond markers. watch to help others.

 

Widely considered to be one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, Terry Bradshaw is known as a tough competitor and for having one of the most powerful arms in NFL history. He played for 14 seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers and won four Super Bowl titles. Terry was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1989.

Since 1994, he has been a television sports analyst and co-host of Fox NFL Sunday. Bradshaw is also an actor and singer, having participated in many television shows and films.

Terry bought this watch in Lithuania in 2017 while filming the television series, "Better Late than Never." His limited edition Vostok Europe World Timer Features a world timer function with 24 different cities around the world, local and secondary time zones, a date window, and an alarm. The stunning dial is showcased in a 43-millimeter stainless steel, rose gold plated case under an anti-reflective K1 mineral glass crystal.

Both watches will be auctioned off on November 30th through Rago/Wright Auction House, with 100% of proceeds benefiting Brian’s Foundation.

Watch Project Auction- November 30th!

The Once Upon a Time Watch Auction will take place on November 30th, 2022 through Rago/Wright in Chicago. Online bidding starts on November 12th. 

We have some incredible watches that will be auctioned off with 100% of proceeds going to Brian's Foundation. It has been quite an amazing process and we can't wait to share more details with you. 

First of all, check out these donors! You can also click here to see more details about each watch by clicking on the donor's photo on our website. 

There is also going to be a Watch Auction viewing party at the Automobile Gallery the day of the auction. 

Stay tuned for more details on that!

We didn't do it alone

Evan Krznarich,  Isaiah Hunt Scholarship of Honor recipient from Bay Port High School.  Evan is pursuing a career as a Firefighter Paramedic through NWTC .

Brian's Foundation continues to award scholarships in 17 states and 3 foreign countries. We did not do this alone. The school guidance offices, sponsors, selection committees and presenters go above and beyond to make this a life-changing experience for each and every recipient.

On behalf of the following 55 scholarship recipients, their families and the communities we serve, thank you. We think the 2022 recipients say it best and you can hear from them on our website here.

Above and Beyond Scholarship (2): Oconto High School- Recipients, Maggie Sohrweide and McKenna Seidl

Ron Anderson Scholarship: Suring High School- Chantelle Van Den Elzen 

Matt Atkinson Scholarship: Green Bay East High School, WI-Amaia Lawrence

Bellin College Scholarship- Green Bay, WI- Madelyn Koenig

Ollie and Helen Bogsted Scholarship: Suring High School, WI- Carley Gennesse

Rachel Bosveld Scholarship: Waupun High School, WI- Mackenzie Grams

John Bradley: Appleton West High School, WI-Aaliyah Xiong

Andrew Brownfield: North High School, Akron OH- Jessica Causey

Mike Colalillo: Denfeld High School, MN- Elliana Jouppi

Jessica Causey is studying Biology and pursing a degree in Pre-Med at Akron University. She received the 2022 Andrew Brownfield Scholarship of Honor.

James Cathey: Reno High School, NV- Chloe Bonnenfant

Esther Cleveland: Oconto High School, WI- Maggie Sohrweide

Danny Dietz: Heritage High School, Littleton, CO- Abigail Lux

Ben Edinger: Green Bay West High School, WI- Dylan Gerou

Wendell and Shanna Ellsworth (2 scholarships): Belding High School, MI-Matthew Massman and Brenden Niemiec

Nichole Frye: Lena High School, WI- Samara VanArk

Robert Foley: United States Military Academy, West Point NY- Ily Park

Riley Garbe: Freedom High School, WI- Grace Hambel

Sal Giunta: JFK High School, Cedar Rapid, IA-  Brian Stubblefield

Joel Gentz: Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN- Mitchell Vannoy

David Hatfield: Tunstall High School, Dry Fork VA- Amy Manzano

Kyle Hemauer: Chilton High School, WI- Sofia Billmann

Ken Hess: AC Reynolds High School, Asheville, NC- Sydney Thayer

Ily Park received the LTG Robert Foley Scholarship of Honor at West Point during a special presentation from Medal of Honor recipient, Robert Foley himself.

Nainoa Hoe: Schofield Barracks, HI- to be awarded in August

Thomas Hudner: Fox Valley Composite Civil Air Patrol- Cailey Stolt

Isaiah Hunt: Bayport High School, WI- Evan Krznarich 

Ryan Jerabek: Pulaski High School, WI- Olivia Williquette

Junior Achievement- Business Challenge-Kamden Bay

Len Keller: Auburn High School, Rockford, IL-Gina Fiorenza

Ken Kubsch: Manitowoc High School, WI- Zachary Zdziarski 

Brian LaViolette: Ashwaubenon High School, WI- Brittany Voight

LEAP School Science and Math (2 Scholarships), South Africa- To be awarded in Aug.

Eric McColley: Gettysburg High School, PA- Summer Lefler-Booth

NWTC Scholarship (2 scholarships): Aubrey Williams

Nueske Family: Wittenberg-Birnamwood, WI- Jadalynn Davids

Victoria Parmentier Scholarship: Ashwaubenon High School, WI- Jocelyn McNicoll

Hannah Moe received the Journey is the Reward Scholarship at Oconto High School. She will be studying nursing at University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh

Victoria Robbins Parmentier: Oconto Falls High School, WI-Danielle Darby

General George S. Patton: Pilsen, Czech Republic,- Natálie Jeslínková

Poland Scholarships: Nidzica Poland- September 2022

Robert Safford: Oconto High School, WI- Cole Pierucki

Ron Sager: Fox Valley Lutheran High School, WI- Karina Qualmann

Matt Schmidt: Young Life, Green Bay, WI- To be awarded in July

St. Norbert Scholarships (2 scholarships): DePere, WI --Maria Miller and Nathaniel Lezotte

Ken Stumpf, Elmer Burr: Menasha High School, WI- Evan Rubbert

"The Journey is the Reward": Oconto High School (2), WI- Hannah Moe and Juliana Sieber

"The Journey is Reward": Suring High School, WI- Gavin Fredenburg

Jesse Thiry: Luxemburg Casco High School, WI- McKenna Day

Brent Vroman: Omro High School, WI-Jaelyn Stadler

Bernard Webber: MAST Academy, Miami FL- Carlos Aragan 

Joe Welke- Stevens High School, Rapid City, SD- The Learning Center

Ray Zimmerman: Green Bay West High School, WI- Nadia Mortinson

Woody Wililams, a kind and gentle soul

Hershel Woodrow “Woody” Williams, the last surviving World War II Medal of Honor recipient, has died at the age of 98 years old.

Mrs. Bradley, Woody and 2007 John Bradley Scholarship of Honor recipient, Luke Justman.

We met Woody during the 2007 Congressional Medal of Honor convention in Green Bay, WI.  Beyond his battlefield heroics, he was a kind and gentle soul. 

That same year, he took part in the 1st annual John Bradley Scholarship of Honor presentation at Appleton West with Mrs. Bradley and scholarship sponsors, Ron and Colleen Weyers.  

It was a special time for the school, its students and the Bradley family.

Woody earned his Congressional Medal of Honor during the Battle of Iwo Jima for displaying "valiant devotion to duty." It was presented to him by President Harry Truman in a ceremony at the White House on October 5, 1945. 

Born on a dairy farm in Quiet Dell, West Virginia, in 1923, Williams served 20 years in the Marine Corps and Marine Corps Reserves. In the early days of World War II, Woody delivered telegrams informing Gold Star families that their loved one had died, an experience Woody said helped him appreciate life and better understand the "difference in death in the normal world as expected in life, and those lost serving in the military for their country."

After the war, Woody worked for 33 years in the Department of Veterans Affairs. He also created the Woody Williams Foundation to support and advocate on behalf of Gold Star Families after his time as a Marine.

Woody with scholarship sponsors, Colleen and Ron Weyers

The Publishers Clearing House of Scholarships

"Just another day of my senior year, turned into a day I will never forget. I received with great honor, the Brian LaViolette Scholarship for $10,000.

I was nominated for this scholarship by my school counselor for my hard work and determination as I work to obtain my degree in nursing.

A raw moment, as you can tell

•no fancy outfit

•no makeup

•my crazy hair

Looking back upon this day in 20 years, the way I looked will not matter but the look on my parent’s faces will matter forever.”

Judy Voight, Renee LaViolette, Brittany Voight, Doug LaViolette and Dan Voight at the surprise presentation

Every year we have the privilege of surprising a student with a $10,000 check during one of their school days. And each year, it is so much fun.

The 2022 Brian LaViolette Scholarship was awarded to Brittany Voight. Brittany has already worked unbelievably hard towards becoming a registered nurse. Ultimately, she would like to work as an RN in the neonatal or pediatric intensive care unit.

This year the surprise was at Seymour High School where a team of people gathered in the library waiting for Brittany's class to join them. The team consisted of members of Greater Green Bay Chamber who help administer the scholarship, the principal, the recipient’s parents and Doug and Renee LaViolette.

Brittany has completed over 75% of her general college education while in high school, she works overnight shifts at Bellin hospital on the weekends and works at a local diner.  With all that dedication, she will be entering into the nursing program at NWTC this fall.

Each of the finalists were incredibly worthy of this year’s scholarship.  It was a tough decision and one we didn’t take lightly.  We’d like to thank the Green Bay Chamber for another year of support.  They administer the application and interview process, and it is a crucial part of awarding Brian’s scholarship.

Another BIG thanks to Medal of Honor recipient, Gary Wetzel who is the sponsor of this year's Brian LaViolette Scholarship.

Tom Hudner Scholarship of Honor recipient

Congratulations to Cadet Captain Cailey Stolt, who was presented the 2022 Thomas Hudner Scholarship of Honor at this year’s Wisconsin Wing Conference.

C/Capt Stolt will be pursuing a nursing degree from the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire. She stated, "I am grateful to have received this scholarship and represent Thomas Hudner and his legacy."

Presenting the scholarship were Lt Col Stephen Kohler & Col Denese Helgeland

The scholarship is in honor of Thomas Hudner, a fighter pilot in the Korean War, who routinely completed his missions by air. But in a dramatic rescue attempt of a fellow pilot, Hudner executed a wheels-up landing in enemy territory and found himself battling the elements on the ground. The snow and cold of December 1950 in North Korea found Hudner thinking not of himself or the enemy, but of one fellow Navy pilot, Ensign Jesse Brown, the Navy’s first African American aviator.

President Truman awarded Thomas Hudner the Congressional Medal of Honor on April 13, 1951 for his courageous actions.

This year’s scholarship is sponsored by Mary and retired Navy Captain Thomas Hennessey.

The students of today and yesterday provide HOPE.

This is our 29th scholarship season. It is an exciting time for our applicants, as they enjoy the last couple months of their Senior year. Their minds are also transitioning into the next step of a college education and all the questions and excitement that goes along with that.

And all of us at Brian’s Foundation enjoy this time of year too. Spring is always a time of blossoming and every year, the students of today and yesterday provide us a lot of hope. Thanks to so many donors and volunteers, young men and women are inspired and financially supported in the next step of their journey. And it is not lost on them.

Sarah Ames MacFarland was a scholarship recipient from 1996. She shares more about her journey here.